Guidelines for Using University Vehicles

The following guidelines regarding the use of university vehicles must be read, understood, and followed at all times:  

For All Vehicle Occupants 

1. University vehicles: University vehicles include "any vehicle owned, rented, leased, or otherwise provided to affiliates of the University of Michigan for use in conducting official business."  

2. Safety restraints: Safety restraints (seat belts, both lap and shoulder) must be worn by everyone whenever a vehicle is in motion. 

3. Keep Vehicles Clean: Regularly remove trash. Loose bottles, rocks and materials on the floor are significant hazards to safe vehicle operation. Whenever possible, maintain the driver’s ability to see out of the rear window when packing the vehicles. 

4. Hazardous materials (e.g. flammables, corrosives, explosives, compressed gases, etc.) must not be transported in a university vehicle unless they have been packaged as prescribed by applicable state and federal regulations. The driver must be informed before the hazardous material is loaded for transport. 

5. Alcohol consumption in any university vehicle is strictly prohibited. 

For Drivers 

1. Authorized driver: Authorized drivers are individuals cleared to drive specified vehicles by Risk Management Services at the University of Michigan. Drivers must immediately inform Risk Management Services if they receive a suspension, probation, cancellation, or disqualification of his/her driver's license. 

2. Traffic Laws & Speed: Authorized drivers are subject to all traffic laws and are financially responsible for any traffic citations. In addition to posted limits, drivers must operate at speeds suitable for vehicle, road, traffic, and weather conditions. Where vision is restricted, drivers must slow to a speed that will permit the safe negotiation of curves, hills, or intersections. 

3. Fatigue: Driver fatigue is a leading cause of fatal accidents. Requests for breaks or driver swaps have priority over any itinerary. 

4. Caravan Driving: Caravan Driving is among the most dangerous activity in the field. To help mitigate this hazard, please follow these guidelines: 

• Whenever possible, DO NOT drive in a caravan. Use point-to-point driving.

• Keep to the right on highways. Do not linger in the fast lane – use it only to pass.  

• Do not pass the lead vehicle. Unless safety dictates otherwise, maintain your position in the line of vehicles. 

• Do not worry about “keeping up” with the vehicle ahead of you – instead, slow your vehicle to maintain visual contact with the vehicle behind you. 

6. Distractions: Avoid distractions. The use of cellular telephones and iPods, etc. while driving are not permitted (even with a “hands-free” device), except in immediate emergency situations. The person sitting in the “shotgun” seat should assist drivers with these functions. 

7. Inspections: Drivers are responsible for thoroughly inspecting their vehicle prior to initial use and regularly thereafter for unsafe conditions (lights, brakes, windshield wipers, windshield washer fluid) or damage. Drivers must immediately report vehicles that are damaged or in an unsafe condition. 

8. Vehicle Trouble: If you experience a flat tire or other vehicle malfunction that requires leaving the roadway, pull to the right shoulder – never stop in the center median. Carefully pull off as far as possible, but do not go over the shoulder. If possible, park on a hard (paved) surface. 

9. Accidents: Accidents involving any vehicle (university or private) during field camp must be reported according to relevant accident reporting guidelines. The lead instructor must be notified immediately. 

10. DUI: Use of university vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs that may impair the ability of the driver) is prohibited.